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Audiofanzine FR
Published on 11/29/08 at 07:15
(Originally written by mrskwad/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Telecaster model (Nocaster was the first name of the Tele). The original name was Broadcaster but Gretsch already used the same name for a drum kit series in the 50's so Fender had to stop using it. Due to this the guitar had no name from the end of 1950 to the beginning of 1951 and the headstock was only labeled Fender... Afterwards Fender started calling it Telecaster. Collectors started to call the no-name Telecasters "Nocasters" much later.
In 1999, Fender produced a limited series labeled Nocaster with all the features of the original guitar.
Mine has a relic finish: the fingerboard and body look worn out and are covered with a slim varnish, while the finish of the neck makes it easy for the hand to slide. The body shows wearing marks and scratches under the forearm. I give 18/20 points to this relic finish because it looks extremely authentic.
People who see it really think it's an old guitar.
It's an old new guitar.
UTILIZATION
The neck is so thick that it doesn't have a heel!!!
It can be surprising and it most surely won't be to everyone's taste but I quickly understood that it gives a huge dynamic response to the sound. Vibrations easily reach the very light one-piece body made out of selected wood. So it's not just a wood plank with pickups. I also own a vintage '52 Reissue bought it 1993, I also tested the '52 Hotrod and some modern Telecaster models. However it's impossible to compare this Custom Shop Telecaster with mass produced models. When you think you could get this guitar for a much lower price in the 50's and 60's...
Very good pickups but they are not the most important thing of a guitar. At least in my opinion
SOUNDS
Its natural resonance is simply unthinkable in a mass produced instrument,
This guitar sounds amazing plugged into a Twin or a good Fender amp. It's mind blowing !
I don't understand why jazzmen always play hollowbody Gibsons, which I admit do sound wonderful but are a cliché.
Round low, sharp mids... wow... Low-mids! The biting highs are also perfect! The pickups produce a powerful vintage sound.
Regarding versatility I'd say this guitar is conceived only for a certain music style. Rock, blues and jazz sound perfect but it's always matter of taste. I can also imagine playing other music styles with it but also depends on the pickups!
OVERALL OPINION
I've owned it since March 2008. I love its resonance, neck and its honey blond finish. Sometimes the relic finish feels a bit awkward because I know there are no stories nor live performances, studios, parties, etc. to back it up. It's only a finish. However the instrument does have a soul and I'm sure it will deepen as time goes by and I play it more and more. I'll have to play it until there is no varnish on it, like Rory Gallager's Strat!!! lol
If you want this guitar to become yours you'll have to put your life into it, otherwise it will only be a collector's item.
Telecaster model (Nocaster was the first name of the Tele). The original name was Broadcaster but Gretsch already used the same name for a drum kit series in the 50's so Fender had to stop using it. Due to this the guitar had no name from the end of 1950 to the beginning of 1951 and the headstock was only labeled Fender... Afterwards Fender started calling it Telecaster. Collectors started to call the no-name Telecasters "Nocasters" much later.
In 1999, Fender produced a limited series labeled Nocaster with all the features of the original guitar.
Mine has a relic finish: the fingerboard and body look worn out and are covered with a slim varnish, while the finish of the neck makes it easy for the hand to slide. The body shows wearing marks and scratches under the forearm. I give 18/20 points to this relic finish because it looks extremely authentic.
People who see it really think it's an old guitar.
It's an old new guitar.
UTILIZATION
The neck is so thick that it doesn't have a heel!!!
It can be surprising and it most surely won't be to everyone's taste but I quickly understood that it gives a huge dynamic response to the sound. Vibrations easily reach the very light one-piece body made out of selected wood. So it's not just a wood plank with pickups. I also own a vintage '52 Reissue bought it 1993, I also tested the '52 Hotrod and some modern Telecaster models. However it's impossible to compare this Custom Shop Telecaster with mass produced models. When you think you could get this guitar for a much lower price in the 50's and 60's...
Very good pickups but they are not the most important thing of a guitar. At least in my opinion
SOUNDS
Its natural resonance is simply unthinkable in a mass produced instrument,
This guitar sounds amazing plugged into a Twin or a good Fender amp. It's mind blowing !
I don't understand why jazzmen always play hollowbody Gibsons, which I admit do sound wonderful but are a cliché.
Round low, sharp mids... wow... Low-mids! The biting highs are also perfect! The pickups produce a powerful vintage sound.
Regarding versatility I'd say this guitar is conceived only for a certain music style. Rock, blues and jazz sound perfect but it's always matter of taste. I can also imagine playing other music styles with it but also depends on the pickups!
OVERALL OPINION
I've owned it since March 2008. I love its resonance, neck and its honey blond finish. Sometimes the relic finish feels a bit awkward because I know there are no stories nor live performances, studios, parties, etc. to back it up. It's only a finish. However the instrument does have a soul and I'm sure it will deepen as time goes by and I play it more and more. I'll have to play it until there is no varnish on it, like Rory Gallager's Strat!!! lol
If you want this guitar to become yours you'll have to put your life into it, otherwise it will only be a collector's item.